TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of drinking water purification systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an Internet of Things (IOT) based control system to remotely control and monitor operations of a solar water vending machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Conventional water purification control systems provide feature of automatic control such that whole process of water purification, backwashing and dispensing can be controlled automatically. For instance, United States Patent Number US 5853599 A discloses a monitoring device for a reverse osmosis purification system of drinking water consisting a microprocessor that controls overall operations of monitoring system, an LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting means that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of reverse osmosis filtration elements, a warning means that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the reverse osmosis filtration elements, and a power switching means that cuts off electricity supply to the water pump of the purification system.
[0004] United States Patent Application US 20060131219 A1 to Kevin Chang discloses a reverse osmosis filter machine with auto control structure having an IC control system. The IC control system predetermines lifespan and maximum load of filter flux of filters, and computes respective operation time of said filters. A pure water sensor, a booster pump, a low pressure switch, a high pressure switch, an inlet electromagnetic valve and a washing electromagnetic valve connect together with the IC control system. The user knows operation state of the filters and reverse osmosis filter at any time. The IC control system also prompts replacement of the filters and determines whether water is allowed to flow into the filters, thereby automatically halting water when water quality is unqualified. However, the above references do not disclose remote monitoring and controlling of automatic water purification and vending system.
[0005] There are also some patents that disclose monitoring of water dispensing system such as United States Patent Number US 8866634 B2 to Walter Scott Williamson, James Scott Williamson and Jack Ryan Williamson that discloses a meter that monitors usage of a water distribution system by a client. The meter includes a wireless communications system operable to communicatively couple the meter to a wireless network to provide two-way communication between the meter and the wireless network; a calibration system operable to calibrate the meter, wherein the calibration system may calibrate the meter in response to an instruction received via the wireless network, and a power system operable to maintain a sufficient level of power for the meter to allow substantially real-time communication between the meter and the wireless network. However this discloser does not include a controller for remotely monitoring and controlling water purification and dispensation process.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need of a control system for water purification and dispensation systems with remote monitoring features so that there is no requirement of a machine operator and the water purification and dispensation systems can be remotely monitored and controlled. There is also a requirement of a controller that has features of remote monitoring of bio-metric finger print scanner and camera to ensure safety of system.
[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0008] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide automatic control of water purification and dispensing systems.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for water purification and dispensing that incorporates remote monitoring.
[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for water purification and dispensing that ensures safety of the system.
[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a universal control system for all type of water purifier and water vending system.
[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for water purification and dispensing that has ease of operability.
[0017] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for water purification and dispensing that displays various characteristics of water to be dispensed.
[0018] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for water purification and dispensing that has connectivity to a plurality of networks.
[0019] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for water purification and dispensing that dispenses water based on paper and coin currency, e-wallets and smart cards.
[0020] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY
[0021] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of drinking water purification systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an Internet of Things (IOT) based control system to remotely control and monitor operations of a solar water vending machine.
[0022] An aspect of the present disclosure provides an IOT based water purification and dispensing system for remote controlling and monitoring a water vending machine. The proposed system can include a control system that can be operated based on a controller chip, which can be configured to control processes involved in water purification, dispensing, and remote controlling of the water vending machine. In an aspect, the control system can include a user interface, and a plurality of input and output terminals that connect to a plurality sensors and actuators. The control system can further be operatively coupled with a communication channel that can include a plurality of communication modules including, but not limited to, to a coin selector module, an RFID module, a GSM/GPRS module, and a Wi-Fi module.
[0023] In an exemplary aspect, input terminals can be operatively coupled with a first set of sensors and actuators including, but not limited to, a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a conductivity sensor, a UV light sensor, a float sensor, and a pH sensor. Output terminals, on the other hand, can be operatively coupled with a second set of sensors and actuators, including, but not limited to, a solenoid valve, a display LED, a relay, and a Modbus.
[0024] In an exemplary aspect, the proposed control system can further include a memory storage device, a current sensor, and a temperature control module, wherein the current sensor can provide tripping condition to the control system if current of a component of the control system reaches a pre-defined threshold value.
[0025] In an exemplary aspect, the control system with the help of coin selector module of the communication channel can be configured to actuate water dispensing based on payment methodologies including, but not limited to, paper and coin currency, e-wallets and smart cards, wherein after successful payment from the coin selector module, the controller can initiate the process of dispensing water by actuating output valves and controlling volume of water received from a tap by means of, for instance, a flow sensor.
[0026] In an exemplary aspect, the proposed control system can further include a biometric module to ensure safety of the system. The proposed control system can also control dispensation/flow of water from one or more taps simultaneously such that if the quality of water being dispensed is not in accordance to a pre-specified quality, the machine can be automatically shut down.
[0027] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for dispensing water from a water vending machine, wherein the method can include the steps of ascertaining, by the control system, a payment means based on payment methodologies including, but not limited to, paper and coin currency, e-wallets and smart cards; checking if a tap is busy and starting dispensing of water if the tap is not busy; and ascertaining that there is a flow of water after dispensing is initiated by measuring flow rate and volume of dispensed water such that if flow volume is not equal to a required volume, flow rate and volume of dispensed water can be measured until the flow volume is equal to required volume. In an exemplary aspect, the method can further include the step of selecting a required water volume and selecting a tap to dispense water from the tap.
[0028] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of control system of water vending machine in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart illustrating process control of the water vending machine in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for dispensing water from the water vending machine in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart illustrating tripping conditions of the water vending machine in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0035] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0036] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “includes” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0037] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0038] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0039] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.
[0040] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
[0041] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0042] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0043] Various terms as used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.
[0045] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0046] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an Internet of Things (IOT) based water purification and dispensing system for remote controlling and monitoring a water vending machine. The proposed system can include a control system that can be operated based on a controller chip, which can be configured to control processes involved in water purification, dispensing, and remote controlling of the water vending machine. In an aspect, the control system can include a user interface, and a plurality of input and output terminals that connect to a plurality sensors and actuators. The control system can further be operatively coupled with a communication channel that can include a plurality of communication modules including, but not limited to, to a coin selector module, an RFID module, a GSM/GPRS module, and a Wi-Fi module.
[0047] In an exemplary aspect, input terminals can be operatively coupled with a first set of sensors and actuators including, but not limited to, a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a conductivity sensor, a UV light sensor, a float sensor, and a pH sensor. Output terminals, on the other hand, can be operatively coupled with a second set of sensors and actuators, including, but not limited to, a solenoid valve, a display LED, a relay, and a Modbus.
[0048] In an exemplary aspect, the proposed control system can further include a memory storage device, a current sensor, and a temperature control module, wherein the current sensor can provide tripping condition to the control system if current of a component of the control system reaches a pre-defined threshold value.
[0049] In an exemplary aspect, the control system with the help of coin selector module of the communication channel can be configured to actuate water dispensing based on payment methodologies including, but not limited to, paper and coin currency, e-wallets and smart cards, wherein after successful payment from the coin selector module, the controller can initiate the process of dispensing water by actuating output valves and controlling volume of water received from tap by means of, for instance, a flow sensor.
[0050] In an exemplary aspect, the proposed control system can further include a biometric module to ensure safety of the system. The proposed control system can also control dispensation/flow of water from one or more taps simultaneously such that if the quality of water being dispensed is not in accordance to a pre-specified quality, the machine can be automatically shut down.
[0051] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for dispensing water from a water vending machine, wherein the method can include the steps of ascertaining, by the control system, a payment means based on payment methodologies including, but not limited to, paper and coin currency, e-wallets and smart cards; checking if a tap is busy and starting dispensing of water if the tap is not busy; and ascertaining that there is a flow of water after dispensing is initiated by measuring flow rate and volume of dispensed water such that if flow volume is not equal to a required volume, flow rate and volume of dispensed water can be measured until the flow volume is equal to required volume. In an exemplary aspect, the method can further include the step of selecting a required water volume and selecting a tap to dispense water from the tap.
[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of control system of water vending machine wherein the control system 100 includes a control system based on a controller chip 140 that controls processes involved in water purification, dispensing and remote controlling of the water vending machine, and wherein the control system 100 includes a user interface (such as but not limited to a display LED 184) and a plurality of input terminals 110 and output terminals 180 that connect to a plurality sensors and actuators, and a communication channel 160 operatively coupled with said control system 100 wherein the communication channel 160 includes of a plurality of communication modules including, but not limited to, a coin selector module 162, an RFID module 164, a GSM/GPRS module 166, a Wi-Fi module 168.
[0053] In an aspect, the input terminals 110 of the control system 100 can be operatively coupled with a first set of sensors and actuators including, but not limited to, a flow sensor 112, a pressure sensor 114, a conductivity sensor 116, a UV light sensor 118, a float sensor 120 and a pH sensor 122.
[0054] In an embodiment, the flow sensor 112 is configured to measure flow rate and volume of dispensed water such that flow volume of the dispensed water is equal to required volume of the dispensed water.
[0055] In an embodiment, the pressure sensor 114 and the conductivity sensor 116 measures the pressure and conductivity of the water such that potable water of a pre-specified quality can be dispensed out of the machine.
[0056] In an embodiment, the UV light sensor 118 and the pH sensor 122 ensures that the dispensed water has a neutral pH and is free from contaminants that can only be detected in UV light. In an embodiment, the float sensor 120 ensures that a pre-determined volume of water is stored in a storage tank of the machine to ensure regular supply of dispensed water. The float sensor 120 is further configured to detect level of water in the tank.
[0057] In an aspect, the output terminals 180 of the control system 100 can be operatively coupled with a second set of sensors and actuators including, but not limited to, a solenoid valve 182, a display LED 184, a relay 186 and a Modbus 188.
[0058] In an embodiment, the solenoid valve 182 is configured to shut off, release, dose, distribute or mix different streams of water to ensure that water of a pre-specified quality can be dispensed out of the machine.
[0059] In an embodiment, the display LED 184 shows various characteristics of the dispensed water and provides a user interface to the user. In an embodiment, the relay 186 ensures that electrical components of the machine are switched on or off in accordance to operation of the machine.
[0060] In an embodiment, the Mobdus 188 ensures that various programmable logic controllers (PLCs) transmit information over serial lines between various electrical devices.
[0061] In an aspect, the control system 100 with the help of coin selector module 162 is configured to actuate water dispensing based on payment methodologies including, but not limited to, paper and coin currency, e-wallets and smart cards, wherein after successful payment from the coin selector module 162, the controller 140 can initiate the process of dispensing water by actuating output valves and controlling volume of water received from a tap by means of, for instance, a flow sensor 112.
[0062] In an aspect, the control system 100 further includes a memory storage device 154, a current sensor 146 and a temperature control module 144, wherein the current sensor provides tripping condition to the system if current of a component of the system reaches a pre-defined threshold value. In an embodiment, a real-time clock 150 is configured with the control system 100 such that the system 100 can operate according to the real-time data gathered by the real-time clock 150. In an embodiment, a battery backup 152 is also incorporated within the control system 100 to ensure efficient and regular operation of the machine even in case of power shortage or failure.
[0063] In an embodiment, a power unit 142 is provided to the control system to ensure proper power supply to the control system 100 and a GSM/GPRS module 148 is configured within the control system 100 to enable communication to various devices.
[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart illustrating process control 200 of the water vending machine wherein at step 202, various system parameters are initialized to ensure proper functioning of the control system 100. Thereafter, at step 204, tripping conditions are checked for a first time and if the tripping conditions are met, then at step 206, the display LED 184 shows a trip state message to a user. Further, if the tripping conditions that are checked at step 204 are not met, at step 208, a raw water pump (RWP) is started and flushing of raw water is initiated at step 210. Thereafter, a timeout condition of flushing of raw water is checked at step 212 and tripping conditions are again checked for a second time at step 214 to ensure that all the actuators and sensors are working properly and the current sensor 146 detects any abnormality in the system. If tripping conditions that are checked at step 214 are met, the display LED 184 shows a trip state message to the user at step 216 and the RWP is stopped at step 218, else if the tripping conditions that are checked at step 214 are not met, then, at step 220, it is checked that a low pressure switch (LPS) is closed and if the LPS is closed, at step 222, a high pressure pump (HPP) is started. The tripping conditions are again checked for a third time at step 224 to ensure that all the actuators and sensors are working properly and the current sensor 146 detects any abnormality in the system. If tripping conditions that are checked at step 224 are met, the display LED 184 shows a trip state message at step 226 and the RWP and the HPP are stopped at step 228. But if the tripping conditions that are checked at step 224 are not met, the LPS state is again checked at step 230 and if the LPS is in closed state, step 224 is again executed and if the LPS is in open state, the HPP is stopped at step 232. Thereafter, the LPS state is again checked at step 234 and if the LPS is in closed state, step 210 is again executed and if the LPS is in open state, a timeout condition of flushing of the RWP is checked at step 236 and the RWP and HPP are stopped at step 238.
[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for dispensing water 300 from a water vending machine, wherein at step 302, various system parameters are initialized to ensure proper functioning of the control system 100. Thereafter, at steps 304 and 306, the control system 100 ascertains the payment methodology applicable to the system 100 from a group of paper and coin currency, e-wallets and smart cards and accordingly processes the payment. After successful payment of either step 304 or step 306, at step 308, a required water volume to be dispensed is selected and a tap from a plurality of taps is selected. Thereafter, it is checked at step 310 whether the selected tap is busy or not. If the selected tap is busy, a message is shown to user on the display LED 184 showing that the selected tap is busy at step 312, and if the tap is not busy, at step 314, dispensation of water initiates. After the dispensation of water is initiated at step 314, the flow rate and volume of the dispensed water is regularly measured at step 316 and at step 318, it is checked whether flow volume of the dispensed water is equal to the required volume of the water to be dispensed. When the required volume of the water to be dispensed is reached, the process of dispensing water is completed and the same process is repeated for another user that provides a payment to the coin selector module 162.
[0066] In an embodiment, after step 314, it is checked if the water is flowing from the tap or not at step 320 and if there is no water flow from the tap, a message is displayed to the user on the display LED 184 at step 322 showing that a flow of water cannot be detected and the machine would be needing assistance.
[0067] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart illustrating tripping conditions 400 of the water vending machine wherein various tripping conditions are simultaneously checked to ensure that all the actuators and sensors are working properly and the current sensor 146 detects any abnormality in the system. A plurality of parameters 402 including, but not limited to, Raw water pump current (RWPC), high pressure pump current (HPPC), water tank float level (TWTF), raw water tank float level (RWTF), high pressure switch state (HPSS), and pH level of water are checked based on their pre-defined upper and lower limit values or their state (i.e., open or closed state of a switch associated therewith). When any one among the exemplary tripping conditions is met, the control system is tripped and water dispensation is halted and/or stopped.
[0068] In an aspect, tripping conditions such as 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, and 418 should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art as they provide exemplary conditions that are required to be defined in order to ensure that a pre-specified quality of water is dispensed from the water vending machine wherein if any one of the tripping conditions from the group of 404-418 is met, the control system is tripped and dispensing of water is halted and/or stopped accordingly.
[0069] In an exemplary aspect, execution of at least one tripping condition from the group of 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, and 418 trips the control system 100 and stops dispensation of water from tap, and wherein the plurality of parameters from the group of 402 are regulated by plurality of sensors and actuators operatively coupled to input terminals 110 and output terminals 180 of the control system 100 and the control system 100 trips when at least one of the parameters from the group of 402 are out of defined bounds from its pre-defined range.
[0070] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0071] The present disclosure provides automatic controlling of water purification and dispensing systems.
[0072] The present disclosure provides a system for water purification and dispensing that incorporates remote monitoring.
[0073] The present disclosure provides a system for water purification and dispensing that ensures safety of the system.
[0074] The present disclosure provides a universal control system for all type of water purifier and water vending system.
[0075] The present disclosure provides a system for water purification and dispensing that has ease of operability.
[0076] The present disclosure provides a system for water purification and dispensing that displays various characteristics of water to be dispensed.
[0077] The present disclosure provides a system for water purification and dispensing that has connectivity to a plurality of networks.
[0078] The present disclosure provides a system for water purification and dispensing that dispenses water based on paper and coin currency, e-wallets and smart cards.

Claims:
1. A water purification and dispensing system for controlling a water vending machine, the water purification and dispensing system comprising:
a control system based on a single controller chip that controls processes involved in water purification, dispensing and remote controlling of the water vending machine wherein the control system comprises a user interface and a plurality of input and output terminals to connect to a plurality sensors and actuators; and
a communication channel configured with said control system wherein the communication channel comprises a plurality of communication modules such as but not limited to a coin selector module, an RFID module, a GSM/GPRS module, and a Wi-Fi module.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of input terminals comprise a plurality of sensors and actuators such as but not limited to a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a conductivity sensor, a UV light sensor, a float sensor and a pH sensor, and the plurality of output terminals comprise a plurality of sensors and actuators such as but not limited to a solenoid valve, a display LED, a relay and a Modbus.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system further comprises a memory storage device, a current sensor, a temperature control module, and a bio-metric module.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the current sensor provides tripping condition to the system if current of a component of the system reaches a pre-defined threshold value, and wherein the control system is configured to alert a user remotely whenever a tripping condition is met.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system actuates water dispensing based on payment methodologies such as but not limited to paper and coin currency, e-wallets and smart cards.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein after successful payment from the coin selector module, the controller initiates process of dispensing water by actuating output valves and controls volume of water by input from the flow sensor.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system controls dispensing water from one or more taps simultaneously wherein if quality of water being dispensed is not in accordance to a pre-specified quality, the machine shuts down.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of tripping conditions comprises parameters that are to be regulated within a defined threshold range, and wherein execution of at least one tripping condition trips the control system and stops dispensing of water from the tap.
9. A method for dispensing water from the water vending machine, the method comprising the steps of:
ascertaining, by the control system, a payment means based on payment methodologies such as but not limited to paper and coin currency, e-wallets and smart cards;
checking if a tap is busy and start the dispensing of water if the tap is not busy; and
ascertaining that there is a flow of water after dispensing starts by measuring flow rate and volume of dispensed water and if a flow volume is not equal to a required volume again measuring flow rate and volume of dispensed water until the flow volume is equal to required volume.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises steps of selecting a water volume and selecting a tap to dispense water from the tap.